HBO Is Not Happy With George R.R. Martin for Leaking the Game of Thrones Prequel Title

To some extent you kind of have to feel bad for George R.R. Martin. In 1991, then an unknown author, he started writing a novel about swords and dragons and undead armies. Now, nearly three decades later, his creation has unraveled completely out of his control into this global phenomenon that he doesn't even get to finish on his own terms. Yes, he's made millions, he's famous, and his story is beloved around the world—but the guy can't even talk about a prequel series based on his characters without being reprimanded by HBO.

Last week, Martin gave an update on his blog about the upcoming Game of Thrones prequel, titled The Long Night. "Jane Goldman scripted the LONG NIGHT pilot and will be running the show," he wrote. "She and her team are busy in London right now, neck deep in casting, and I expect some more names will be announced soon."

Until this post, Martin had only hinted at what the Game of Thrones prequel would be called. And it seemed here he was officially revealing that the show would be called The Long Night. Unfortunately, this might not be the case. As he posted on his blog this week:

Oh, I should also mention… HBO has informed me that the Jane Goldman pilot is not (yet) titled THE LONG NIGHT. That’s is certainly the title I prefer, but for the moment the pilot is still officially UNTITLED. So… mea culpa, mea culpa, mea culpa. Elsewise, the pilot is coming along well, with casting falling into place. I could tell you more, but I am not supposed to. We also have a couple of other successor shows still in development, but I cannot tell you about those either. Sorry. And some exciting things are happening with the Wild Cards television series, but I can’t talk about those.

Meanwhile, Martin did give a very small update on his next book in the Song of Ice and Fire series.

Believe it or not, I am working hard on a lot of things (yes, including WINDS), even though I am not allowed to talk about most of them. Eventually, I hope, you’ll all be able to enjoy the fruits of my labors. I hope…

Yes, we hope, too, George. We hope you're not stalled by the agonizing hurdles of Hollywood to finish this goddamn book series.

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